People care about life and so we do

While we're busy taking care of everyone else, sometimes the best thing we can do for our health is to stop and think about how we can take care of ourselves.

A lot of us have trouble with the idea of putting ourselves first, even though it might seem right to some. Our parents taught us that putting others' needs before our own is always the right thing to do and that ignoring our own is rude and selfish.

That being said, why isn't self-care seen as the important habit it is for our health?

Here, I talk about some myths that keep us from taking care of the most important person in our lives: ourselves. I also talk about why self-care is better for those around us and share my own list of self-care promises, since I've had trouble with this in the past.

To begin, what does "self-care" really mean?

A white hand shape with a yellow heart in itSelf-care means taking care of yourself, which may be enough to explain it. Incorporates all the things you do to keep your body, mind, and spirit healthy.

Self-care may seem like a good idea, especially if you want to live a long life, but it's often the first thing that gets pushed aside when things get tough, like when you're sick, have a money problem, lose your job, get divorced, or go through another big event in your life. That's why it should always be at the top of your mind, not just something you think about when things are tough.

Why is it important to take care of yourself?

There is an underlying belief that we must always be useful in a society where people are expected to work long hours and skip vacation days. This can make it harder to take time for self-care. However, if you take some time to do this, it may help you relax from the stresses of everyday life and get back to a healthy state where you can be more effective. Considering how much mental health services, lost pay, and other things can cost, taking some time to focus on yourself may be good for everyone in the long run.

Exhausting oneself by overextending in multiple areas has big negative effects that can include but are not limited to burnout, sadness, anxiety, anger, and loads of other bad things.

A self-care practice has been shown in studies to lessen or get rid of anxiety and depression, lower stress, boost energy, help people focus, lower frustration and anger, make people happier, and more. In terms of physical health, it has also been shown to lower the risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke. On a spiritual level, it might help us stay in touch with our greater power and figure out what our life is all about.

Why is it important to take care of yourself?

There are many ways that taking care of yourself can improve your health. These are some of the main benefits:

Improved physical health: Participating in activities such as regular exercise, obtaining sufficient sleep, and consuming nutritional meals will improve physical health, elevate energy levels, and fortify the immune system. 

Better mental and emotional health: There are lots of reasons why mental health is important, and taking care of yourself can help lower worry, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. It helps your mental health by giving you a chance to unwind, recharge, and do things that make you happy and fulfilled.

Focus and productivity go up: taking care of yourself lets you recover and rejuvenate, which makes you more productive, helps you focus, and makes it easier to solve problems. Putting your health first gives you more energy and mental clarity to get things done every day.

Better relationships: Taking care of yourself first gives you more mental energy to give to your relationships. Taking time for yourself keeps you from getting burned out and lets you be your best self around other people.

Better self-esteem and self-worth: Taking care of yourself can make you feel better about your self-esteem and self-worth. You can tell yourself that you deserve care and attention by putting your needs first and doing things that make you feel good.

Prevention of burnout: Regular self-care can prevent burnout which is when you are mentally, emotionally, and physically worn out from long-term worry. Being proactive about taking care of yourself can help you get your energy back and avoid the bad effects of stress. This can be especially important for people who work in jobs that help other people.

Take very good care of yourself. You might be able to get by for a while without getting enough sleep, food, exercise, and other things, but you will eventually burn out. It's not a question of if, but when.

Take care of your stress.

If you are under a lot of stress, learn how to deal with it better, for example by being better at managing your time.

Start giving yourself regular time and exercise. These changes are good. This way of managing your time can help you feel less stressed.

If you're stressed out and anxious at the same time, breathing exercises can help. To deal with stress, try this breathing technique.

Mind has more information about how to deal with stress and get stronger.

On the Every Mind Matters website, you can also find some useful cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) methods that you can use on your own to deal with stress and anxiety, solve problems, and make yourself stronger.

Enjoy yourself

It's good for your mental health to do things you love.

Engaging in sports with a companion, enjoying a bath, or having coffee with friends are all simple activities that can enhance your day.

If you want to have fun and feel good about yourself, do something you're good at, like cooking or dancing.

Don't do things like drinking too much booze or eating junk food that make you feel bad afterward.

Talk and share

It's important to talk to someone, whether it's a friend, family member, or counsellor. 

Instead of holding your stress inside, talking things out can help you let it go. It makes your connections stronger and helps you get to know people.

Many people find it very helpful to talk to a therapist about things that are bothering them.

Make yourself stronger.

Being resilient is what lets you handle the good and bad things that happen in life.

Getting something good out of bad times helps you become stronger.

You can deal with your pain and get through hard times by starting a support group to help other people or by turning bad events into something creative, like writing, painting, or singing.